Wheelchair accessible vehicle driver endorsement

In Victoria, drivers need to have a wheelchair accessible commercial passenger vehicle (WAV) endorsement on their driver accreditation to drive a WAV. This is an additional requirement for drivers regulated by us.

We recognise WAVs have a vital role in delivering transport services for passengers in wheelchairs by providing people a level of mobility not offered by other services such as trains, trams and buses.

Information on this page

The W-endorsement

Drivers must successfully demonstrate they understand all the requirements of driving a WAV in Victoria. The assessment has both theory and practical components. Only once a driver has been assessed and endorsed as competent can they drive a WAV.

The assessment is broadly based on the Provide wheelchair accessible vehicle services to passengers with disabilities—TLIC2040A unit of competency from the Certificate II in Driving Operations. It evaluates a driver’s competency in:

The W-endorsement assessment will be conducted by an assessor approved by us, in line with the National Training Framework competency standards.

The criteria used during the practical assessment is similar to the Programmed Observation Licence Assessment (POLA) used by VicRoads. This standard was developed to achieve a consistent and objective evaluation of an applicant during assessment.

Prepare for the assessment

Drivers will need to prepare for the WAV endorsement before booking an assessment. This preparation can include in-house training with a booking service provider and studying available resources. The WAV assessment will take up to 90 minutes to complete.

It’s the applicant's responsibility to undertake sufficient study and training to ensure they’re adequately prepared for their assessment. Failure to do so will likely result in a Not Yet Competent result.

For further information about driving a WAV, refer to the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Driver Handbook (see Resources).

Booking process

We require the WAV driver assessment for all commercial passenger vehicle drivers in Victoria. The cost of completing the assessment is $190. This applies to all applicants.

At this stage, you book the assessment by emailing the CPVV. Tests can’t be booked or paid for at the venue.

Before booking, applicants must have:

a current driver accreditation

identified the area in Victoria that would be most suitable for being assessed (for example, metropolitan Melbourne or a location in regional Victoria)

We will contact you within two business days with an assessment time and to take payment.

Cancellation/no-show policy

If you cancel or do not show up for a booked assessment:

Three (3) business days’ notice of cancellation is required for refund of fee

Three (3) business days’ notice of rescheduling is required.

Drivers who do not attend their assessment booking will not have the fee refunded.

Resources

A Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Driver Handbook will soon be available on our website. The handbook supports drivers preparing to sit the W-endorsement assessment.

This handbook will be updated occasionally to reflect changes to the legislative environment. Stay up-to-date with any important changes by subscribing to CPVV eNews.

For more information visit:

Carrying passengers with wheelchairs and mobility scooters

Carrying Assistance animals

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Subsidy Scheme

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle requirements

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles - vehicle conversion companies

Additional information for applicants

An applicant cannot leave an assessment and then return to the same assessment without completing it.

Mobile telephones or any other communication equipment must be turned off during the assessment. Use of electronic, or other devices that may help the applicant during an assessment, are not permitted. Use of such equipment will result in the assessment being terminated.

The offer of gifts or favours to an assessment officer will result in the assessment being terminated. If an applicant is caught behaving in a fraudulent manner, their assessment will cease immediately.

The types of WAV vehicles used in the practical assessment may include a Hoist or Ramp vehicle.

Assessment results

The pass mark for the assessment is 85 per cent of the total score.

The assessment officer will record results for each task as:

P (Pass)—if the applicant meets the performance criteria for the task

NYC (Not Yet Competent)—if the applicant does not meet any part of the performance criteria for the task.

If a person is deemed to have received a Not Yet Competent result (this occurs after two attempts), they can re-sit the assessment once they have undertaken the relevant training and studied available resources.

Applicants may clarify a question, but assessors will not help applicants with answers.